Elections
Local Government Elections
Local Government Elections are held every four years and have a significant impact on community members in the region. Not only does it provide opportunities for community members to become advocates for their communities by running for Councillor positions in Kakadu, Minjilang, Warruwi, Gunbalanya and Maningrida, the election also provides West Arnhem residents with an opportunity to choose Councillors who will make important decisions that affect the wellbeing of communities in the region.
2026 Regional Council By-election
By-Elections are conducted when there is a casual vacancy on Council.
The Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) is conducting a by-election to fill a casual vacancy (1 position) in the Warruwi Ward of the West Arnhem Regional Council. These elections will be held in July 2026.
Nominations
Community members who are interested in representing the Warruwi Ward are encouraged to nominate as candidates.
Nomination period:
Open: Thursday 9 July 2026
Closes: 12 noon, Wednesday 15 July 2026
Voting
Voting will take place in Warruwi on 28 July 2026.
For further information, contact the NTEC on 1800 698 683 or email ntec@nt.gov.au, or visit their website.
Timetable
Date |
Time |
Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 9 July | Nominations Open | |
| Monday, 13 July | 5.00pm | Electoral Roll closes |
| Wednesday, 15 July | 12 noon | Nominations Close, Declaration of nominations, draw for position on ballot papers (1.00pm) |
| Monday, 20 July | 9.00am | Postal vote mail-out commences |
| Tuesday, 28 July | 9.30am-1.30pm | In-Person voting in Warruwi community at Council Office |
| Wednesday, 29 July | 4.00pm | Early voting ceases |
| Thursday, 20 July | Election Day | |
| Thursday, 13 August | 10.00am | Declaration of the election result |
2025 Local Government Election
The 2025 Local Government Elections was held in August across 16 councils throughout the Northern Territory.
At this election, new Elected Members were elected to will represent the five West Arnhem wards, forming the new West Arnhem Regional Council for the next four years.
As not all Councillor positions were filled, the Northern Territory Electoral Commission held a Local Government Supplementary Election in November 2025. During this election, the two remaining seats on Council were filled.
For all election information, visit the Northern Territory Electoral Commission website.
For More Information
To get more information about the elections, including links to frequently asked questions, information about how to nominate to become a Councillor, and quick tips on how to vote, please visit the Northern Territory Election Commission website.